The children’s choir “Classical Connections” spends most of the year spreading the joy of music to others, particularly those who might not have the opportunity often.

But for one night, the boys and girls who make up the choir will experience a little joy for themselves.

Classical Connections, a group of 24 children between the ages of 11 and 17, is the winner of a contest and will perform with the rock group “Foreigner” on stage July 3 at the Freedom Hill Amphitheatre in Sterling Heights.

“This is really exciting to me,” said Emily Crombez, 17, who founded Classical Connections about 18 months ago. “To sing in a concert with a rock band, that’s something I never thought I’d do.”

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Organized by Foreigner and sponsored by The Macomb Daily, the contest invited groups to submit for consideration CDs of their performances for consideration. The winning choir was to receive $500, compliments of Foreigner, and a chance to perform the group’s hit song, “I Want to Know What Love Is” with the rock band.

Voting was conducted online and Classical Connection was chosen the winner among nine entries.

“I’m not really nervous,” Crombez said. “All of these kids have performed in opera, at (Detroit) Tigers’ games and on TV.”

John Lappen, marketing director for Foreigner, said the group has invited high school choirs to sing with the band at its shows for the past four years.

“The band is thrilled to be able to give these young singers the chance to sing with them on big stages throughout North American and, at the same time, raise monies for the Grammy Foundation, whose mission is to keep music education alive in high schools everywhere,” Lappen said. “We’re happy to welcome the Classical Connections choir into the Foreigner family for an evening of musical collaboration that will be memorable for everyone.”

Crombez, a Livonia resident, who began her career in music “when I was a baby,” tapped fellow members of the Michigan Opera Theater Children’s Chorus to form Classical Connections. The group’s goal is simple, she said.

“The goal of Classical Connections is to reach out to less fortunate children to give them a chance to make music,” Crombez said. “Each of the members of Classical Connections has had the opportunity to learn and benefit from music and now they are able to share their gifts and talents with these families.”

During the course of the recently completed school year, Classical Connections made nine visits to senior facilities, homeless shelters and other locales where they performed for residents.

But their participation doesn’t end with their songs. During a visit to Cass Community Social Services in Detroit, for example, the singers helped prepare and serve lunch, sang with children and even provided materials so the kids could make their own simple instruments.

“We also benefit from each of the outreaches because we have learned to teach, lead a group, and see the despair in our own neighborhoods, and hopefully make those sad people happy, even just for one day,” she said. “This is truly a pleasure.

“We reach out because music has been such an integral part of our lives and we believe everyone should be given the chance to enjoy music whether they are playing a simple instrument, singing, or just listening to the music we make.”